Dow High cast off to see 'Wizard of Oz'

Niky Housefor the Daily News

Updated
7:40 am EDT, Thursday, May 3, 2018

Emma Allington and Madden Brady rehearse The Wizard of Oz on Tuesday at Central Park Elementary School in Midland. The Dow High Drama Club will perform the musical May 4 at 7:30 p.m. as well as May 5 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. (Danielle McGrew Tenbusch/for the Daily News)

Emma Allington and Madden Brady rehearse The Wizard of Oz on Tuesday at Central Park Elementary School in Midland. The Dow High Drama Club will perform the musical May 4 at 7:30 p.m. as well as May 5 at 2 and

Emma Allington and Madden Brady rehearse The Wizard of Oz on Tuesday at Central Park Elementary School in Midland. The Dow High Drama Club will perform the musical May 4 at 7:30 p.m. as well as May 5 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. (Danielle McGrew Tenbusch/for the Daily News)

Emma Allington and Madden Brady rehearse The Wizard of Oz on Tuesday at Central Park Elementary School in Midland. The Dow High Drama Club will perform the musical May 4 at 7:30 p.m. as well as May 5 at 2 and

H.H. Dow High School students are "off to see the Wizard" this week during their upcoming production of the musical "The Wizard of Oz."

The classic show opens Friday at Central Auditorium.

Megan Farison, Dow High music director and K-12 music teacher with Midland Public Schools, is directing the show.

"This is the traditional story, one that is inspired by the film version of 'Wizard of Oz.' It has all the beloved characters and songs from the movie, plus original music found only in the stage version," she said.

Dow High junior Emma Allington of Midland, who plays Dorothy, shared the storyline.

"The 'Wizard of Oz' is a classic story following Dorothy Gale during her adventures in the magical land of Oz. On her way to the Emerald City, she meets some friends who join her in her quest for something lost; while Dorothy longs for her home, Scarecrow lacks a brain, Tinman misses his heart, and the Lion wants some courage," she said.

Allington has performed in "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Midland Center for the Arts and "Adventures in Wonderland" at Dow High.

"Dorothy is such a cool character. She's young and doesn't know much about the world outside of her farm, but she's also mature and quite brave," she said. "The coolest part about Dorothy for me is that she's not completely changed by all of the things that happen in Oz. Sure, she learns so much, but she's still sweet, trusting and adventurous."

Dorothy encounters friends as she travels through Oz. Senior David Leonhardt of Midland plays the Scarecrow.

"The Scarecrow is the first of the trio that Dorothy meets. Since he has been with her the longest, he is very attached to Dorothy and acts as her protector. He is a bit goofy at times, but if you pay attention, you'll find that The Scarecrow is the brains behind the operation the whole time," he said.

Leonhardt, who has also performed in "Beauty and the Beast," shared what the audience might encounter.

"It is a story about finding what is truly important, supported by your loved ones," he said. "The audience can expect laughter for people old and young, and an amazing message about family, love, respect and growing up."

The show's music and choreography promise to delight as well.

"Most of the audience will already be familiar with many of the songs, as the musical includes all of the classics like 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' and 'The Merry Old Land of Oz,'" Allington said. "However, my favorite song wasn't in the movie: it's called 'The Jitterbug.' 'The Jitterbug' is a very catchy, high-energy dance number, complete with jazzy harmonies and awesome choreography. I know the audience will find it a fantastic addition to this iconic score."

Some Jefferson Middle School students from seventh- and eighth-grade choir have joined the show as munchkins.

"I feel joy in watching everything come together and be something the students can have fun with and be proud of," the director said.

"The Wizard of Oz" runs at 7:30 p.m. May 4 and 5 and at 2 p.m. on May 5 at Central Auditorium, 305 E Reardon St., Midland. Tickets are $8 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults and will be available at the door.